Hygge: tips for experiencing the concept of hygge

Hygge has been called everything from ‘the art of intimacy’, ‘coziness of the soul’ and ‘the absence of annoyance’ to ‘taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things’, ‘cozy togetherness’ and my personal favourite, ‘cocoa by candlelight’. – Meik Wiking

I thought I would write my very first blog post about my ‘not-so-new’ new way of life; Hygge (HOO-ga). I had heard the term thrown around here and there, and have seen super cozy photos on Pinterest with this term attached, but never fully understood it. Turns out, I was living the hygge life all along. I am not Danish, in which this term comes from – but hygge has been in my bones, as my son would like to say “for all time”. Danes are rated the happiest people in the world & a lot of it has to do with Hygge.

I will let you know now, hygge is very hard to explain and I will do my best to communicate what I believe it to be in its simplest form – but if you are intrigued, I suggest reading this bestseller. This book will clear up the nitty-gritty’s of it all ( & trust me, it will change the way you look at everything … in the best way).

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living

Follow these simple tips to experience the simple + cozy Danish concept, hygge. (adapted from The Little Book of Hygge)

How to hygge

Create the atmosphere

Turn down the lights & light some candles or turn your fireplace on (though starting a fire the old-fashioned way would be MUCH more hygge).

Get comfy & relax

Whether that means getting out all your coziest blankets or putting on your thickest, most favourite, well-worn socks on – even if you aren’t cold.

Shelter

Create a place for you and your tribe…these are your people and no matter where it is, it’s safe and it’s secure.

Be present

Put your cell phone in the other room and be in the here and now – there is nothing worse than spending time with someone while they literally can’t keep their hands off their phone.

Stay equal & in harmony

Don’t fight to be the star of the room – keep everyone on the same playing field, as everyone is equally important, show off all your achievements another day. Share tasks, whether it be preparing food or cleaning up when doing it together. It will seem less like work and more like quality time together.

Build togetherness

Although you can certainly have a hyggelig time alone, it is much more pleasurable to hygge with loved ones to continue to build lasting relationships with.

No drama

This is not a place or time to discuss politics or gossip about other people, stay positive and focus on the happiness that comes from being together with the people who surround you.

Be thankful

Take everything in; the sights, the sounds, the smells – the world moves so fast, don’t take these moments + these people for granted.

Guilt-free pleasure

Whether it be coffee, candy or cakes…bring it ALL on – no judgment here (& if you’re coming over to our house, brings some french macarons too!)

As you can see, it’s all about keeping cozy, staying relaxed and having a simple, happiness saturated, sweet time with the ones you love.

Of course, there is a little more depth to hygge, but if you keep all these things in mind – you are well on your way to having a hyggelig time.

Even though I only came about this recently, it was quite clear that my husband and I really strive to have hygge in our home all the time. I think it’s one of the things that attracted us to each other & continue to keep us sane… so now we can put a name to it, and use the word hygge (probably a little too much), but at least we can perfectly describe what we want.

Note: Having a snuggly pet around is always a bonus ♥

How to hygge.